Bedford Regional Water Authority ends fluoridation

As of February 1, 2017, the Bedford Regional Water Authority no longer adds fluoride to any of the sources we own and operate. Water entering portions of the Forest area will continue to receive fluoridated water that the BRWA purchases from the City of Lynchburg; what this means is that, upon completion of the pipeline currently under construction along Route 460 from Bedford to Forest, some customers will receive a blend of fluoridated and non-fluoridated water.

Much of the feedback the BRWA has received regarding fluoride in recent years is from customers who are opposed to fluoridation. The BRWA recently elected to stop adding fluoride and thus give the majority of our customers the choice as to whether to consume fluoride or not, as it is available by other means. There is no regulatory mandate to add fluoride, and not adding fluoride has no effect on water treatment. The BRWA will continue to ensure that our customers’ drinking water is safe and meets all regulatory requirements. The resolution regarding ceasing to add fluoride is available at the following link: Resolution 2017-01.01 Fluoridation.

Pros to Fluoridation:

The Virginia Department of Health – Office of Drinking Water’s position on fluoridation is as follows:

Community water fluoridation is a public health measure first endorsed by the Virginia State Board of Health in 1951. With more than 70 years of research and practical experience in the U.S., the scientific evidence consistently reveals that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and beneficial to the public. In addition to improving health outcomes, fluoridation saves the community money by reducing costs spent on repairing tooth decay and helping to keep our citizens in school and on the job.

Today, more than 95% of Virginians who receive water from a public water supply are consuming water with fluoride that has been adjusted to the optimal level. Community water fluoridation remains the most cost effective means of reducing tooth decay and can result in up to a 60% reduction in dental disease in children and a 35% reduction in adults. Water fluoridation benefits everyone regardless of age, income level, or insurance status. It has been cited as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of fluoride to drinking water is similar to the addition of Vitamin D to milk, iodine to table salt, and folic acid to bread and cereals.

Leading health and medical authorities- such as the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to name a few- as well as the past five Surgeons Generals- endorse community water fluoridation and encourage communities to fluoridate their water. The CDC reports that “panels of experts from different health and scientific fields have provided strong evidence that water fluoridation is safe and effective.”

You can access the above-mentioned leading health and medical authorities, as well as additional reliable sources, at the following links:

Cons to Fluoridation:

CDC says: “However, laboratory and epidemiologic research suggests that fluoride prevents dental caries predominately after eruption of the tooth into the mouth, and its actions primarily are topical for both adults and children.” Source

Americans get too much fluoride. Tea is a major contributor & if made with fluoridated water, even higher but in many foods. This is why dental fluorosis has exploded in 12-15 year olds. Per government data in 2011-2012, 58.3% have dental fluorosis up from 23% in 1986 & 41% in 2000.